Organizational or personal values describe HOW we operate. Many organizations claim to follow certain values because they list them on their websites, or they are on a poster in their offices. However, many employees will say their organization has values published, but admit those companies do not live by them. Why?  I believe there are two […]

Most people do not look in the mirror and think – hypocrite. But, if we pick and choose when we act with Integrity, what should we call ourselves? Answer: Hypocrites Part time Integrity is not really Integrity. It is hypocrisy.  If we only choose Integrity when it is easy, what are we? Answer:  Hypocrites. The […]

The grizzled veteran manager proudly declared, “My top priority is to take care of my team.”  It sounded like I found a kindred spirit.  I believe the leader’s job should be centered on his people. But what I had discovered was a selfish, hard headed and insecure man.  Over time, I learned he was not […]

Lying, cheating, and cowardice, are all habits that can become addictions in the same way smoking, drinking, pornography and drugs can become addictions. I have often used the latter to explain how our character habits are formed.  But last week I heard Pete Hinojosa (www.petehinojosa.com) speak on leading and coaching people.  As he discussed a […]

I love sports.  I love youth sports.  I love what sports teaches kids.  Unfortunately, youth sports can also be a place where young athletes are exposed to the wrong lessons in life. A previous post on this page even addresses another aspect of youth sports: trophies. But a new phenomenon in youth sports makes me […]

Click here to receive my blog posts by e-mail. Sign me up! 903.262.6843dave AT alslead DOT com Astra Zeneca Pharmaceuticals EOG Resources United Way Worldwide Sadler’s Smokehouse East Texas Medical Center The Genesis Group GE Healthcare Oncor Electricity Regions Bank Austin Bank Heartland Insurance Express Employment Professionals “Like most people in management, I spend a […]

I was recently interviewed by Dr. Joey Faucette on Faith Positive Radio.  The question was “How does my faith transfer into being successful in business?” To listen to this interview and other questions related to being a person of faith in today’s business world, Listen Here: Dave Anderson on Faith Positive Radio Continue Reading… Critiquing […]

“Anderson!  You have to be like Gumby!  Come up with a new plan and do it quick or your men will die!”  These words echoed through the woods as I stood confused during my first attempt leading an infantry squad during Cadet Basic Training at West Point. The staff sergeant wasn’t going to allow me […]

I used to swear a lot, drink too much and eat Buffalo wings for a meal 3-4 times a week.  Today I rarely swear, have a beer occasionally with a meal, and eat Buffalo wings once in a blue moon. Exchanging Habits I didn’t get rid of my bad habits.  I exchanged them for new […]

Recently, I spoke with a friend who decided he needed a change.  He has been very successful in his industry for more than a decade.  But, what was once a passion has become a J. O. B. Statistics show he is not alone.  Gallup’s engagement data tells us that 70% of American’s are disengaged at […]

He sat across from me for 90 minutes.  He demonstrated drive, humility, sales skills, and the character I love to hire.  The problem was his background.  I was hiring for a high-end medical sales position.  But, he was selling dumpster pick-up service to restaurants.  I really liked Jeff.  But I hired someone else because Jeff […]

What are my priorities for 2013?  What accounts and what goals should I focus my efforts on?  The time is now to think ask these questions. Do not wait until after the holidays. These are key questions that will help me continue to grow and lead others to grow.  Taking the time to get the […]

All leaders would love to have a low maintenance team (LMT).  A LMT allows a leader to focus on the big things and avoid the day to day hassles that could and should be handled at lower levels.  When a leader does that, the leader and the team are more engaged and burnout and turnover […]

Why does one person get hired over another?  Why does one person get fired over another?  Performance is a good reason.  Values are an even better reason. A hypocrite is someone who says one thing but does another.  Therefore, an organization that claims values that they do not demonstrate is hypocritical and so is its […]